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is it preferable to base your model before you prime it?

IMO yes, because that way you can clean off any glue before priming and not ruin the paint job if you're not careful.

I agree with snorkle... I put PVA on the base, dip in sand, wait for it to dry and then tap the loose sand off, brush a 30% PVA 70% water mix on to the base to seal in the sand and then once that is dry, give it a few good puffs of air and then off to undercoat. Doing it before priming lets you pick loose sand out of the intimate areas of your model without worrying about chipping the paint and will ensure that when you come to varnish it then the base will be well set and wont blow sand into the varnish layer. I find I can also paint the messy parts of the base without worrying about painting over the highlighted feet of the model too and can just clean up any feet base coat layer before the delicate highlights begin (after painting/drybrushing the base).

Another point is that once the model is primed you want to avoid touching it with your fingers.

Agreed!

Base before priming/painting!

I think it's probably better, but I don't base until the end. I can tell you that this will work, it's ok and doesn't present too many serious problems, but it is probably not the way to go. I'd change my habits, but that's why it's called a habit.